Renowned pottery kilns, millennia-old tea farms, and authentic culture, a short trip from Kyoto’s crowds.
What is Shiga famous for?
Shiga Prefecture is best known for Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, its historic temples and castles, traditional Shigaraki-yaki pottery, and regional food culture, including Omi beef. It is also home to Asamiya, one of Japan's historic tea-growing regions.
Is Shiga worth visiting as a day trip from Kyoto?
Yes, Shiga makes an excellent day trip from Kyoto, particularly for visitors interested in traditional crafts, tea culture and regional food. While Otsu is approximately 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by train, reaching the pottery town of Shigaraki takes longer, making a private vehicle or carefully planned itinerary useful.
Visit a 1000-year-old tea farm in Shiga
More than 1200 years in the past, predating the recorded origin dates for tea meccas Uji and Shizuoka, the Asamiya tea gardens of Shiga were operating in full swing, serving tea deemed suitable for even the Emperor to enjoy. Located just on the scenic outskirts of Kyoto and a short drive from the stretching shores of Lake Biwa, these very same tea fields are still fully active, tended to by a coalition of tea-farming families who work to cultivate a range of flavorful tea blends, from sencha and hojicha, to matcha as well.
Guided by a 7th-generation tea farm master, stroll through the tea fields of Shiga. Depending on the season, visit a manufacturing center to see how tea is produced. End with a relaxing sampling of tea sourced from the very fields visited.
Steep in the thousand-year-old tea culture of Shiga on a guided tea farm tour
Immerse into the legacy of Shigaraki-yaki at a 5th-generation artisan's kiln
Explore a Shigaraki climbing kiln with a 5th-generation master
Rustic texture, earthy tones, and locally sourced clay define the Shigaraki pottery style, which has graced a range of residences, from noble tea masters to everyday citizens. Organic, elegant, and embracing the natural colors of the clay, Shigaraki-yaki is emblematic of not only the Shiga region, but also of wabi-sabi philosophies that stress beauty in humble simplicity and use.
Visit the kiln of a 5th-generation Shigaraki-yaki master. Learn more about the history and production techniques of this ancient artform. View an authentic climbing kiln and see the work of the master in the gallery.
Get hands on with a Shigaraki pottery workshop and tea ceremony
The rustic, earthen elegance of Shigaraki-yaki, a pottery style that's said to have originated in the 8th century in an area now considered one of Japan's "Great Six Kiln" areas, pairs seamlessly with the subdued harmony of tea ceremony, which places a heightened emphasis on the materials used to prepare and serve guests in a display of precisely curated hospitality.
In this pottery workshop, join a master Shigaraki potter, whose family lineage of craftsmanship stretches all the way back to the Edo Period, in his own personal studio. Then, enjoy an Urasenke-style tea ceremony led by the master.
Craft Shigaraki-yaki pottery and enjoy an Urasenke tea ceremony with a master artisan
How to spend a day in Shiga
If you’re looking for what to do in Shiga, why not start out with Lake Biwa? Just a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake and famous for its scenic bike rides. Shiga also features historical viewpoints, such as Hikone Castle, without the crowds of larger cities.
For the arts and culture lovers, however, the Shigaraki region is the essential place to visit, housing centuries-old kilns, countless ceramic tanuki statues, as well as close access to tea farms built into the nearby rolling hills.
Suggested Shiga Day Trip Itinerary
9AM: Start the day in Kyoto and head to Shiga by either the JR Kusatsu Line or by rental car
10:30AM: Visit the Asamiya tea fields and enjoy a tea tasting of the premium brews
12:15PM: Grab lunch in downtown Shigaraki, enjoying local Omi Beef or seasonal Maitake mushrooms harvested from nearby mountains
2PM: Take a tour of a Shigaraki-yaki ceramic kiln, featuring nobori-gama climbing kilns
3:45PM: Grab a tanuki souvenir while still in Shigaraki from one of the many roadside locations selling these charming trickster ceramics
4:15PM: Head to nearby Koka to explore an authentic ninja house, then stop by the partially restored castle ruins of Minakuchi Castle
6:00PM: Grab dinner in Koka, or head back towards Kyoto to enjoy Kyoto-style cuisine - or even a dinner and performance by geisha
How to get there
How to get to Shiga from Kyoto
Shiga Prefecture is located immediately east of Kyoto and is easily accessible by train or car. However, travel times vary considerably depending on which part of the prefecture you plan to visit.
Otsu, the capital of Shiga, is approximately 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR train. Reaching the pottery town of Shigaraki takes approximately two hours by public transport, with transfers at Kusatsu and Kibukawa.
For visitors planning to explore the Asamiya tea fields and Shigaraki pottery studios, traveling by car is often the most convenient option. Many of the region's cultural attractions are located outside central towns, making private transportation particularly useful for combining multiple visits in one day.
How to rent a car in Shiga
Renting a car offers more flexibility than traveling by train or bus in Shigaraki or around the Shiga area, since the attractions are spread across the countryside. Rental car locations are available both in Kyoto, with offices directly near Kyoto Station, or in locations around Shiga, useful for those looking to avoid congested city traffic on their drive.
*You will need a valid driving license for Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or legal translation of your license.
Shiga FAQs
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Some of the best things to do in Shiga include exploring Lake Biwa, visiting historic Hikone Castle, discovering traditional Shigaraki-yaki pottery and exploring the tea fields of Asamiya. Shiga is particularly appealing to travelers interested in Japanese craftsmanship, regional food culture and historic traditions. Visitors can meet local artisans, tour traditional pottery kilns, experience Japanese tea culture and discover the countryside beyond Kyoto.
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Shiga is directly east of Kyoto, making it extremely easy to reach. From Kyoto Station to Otsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, the train ride takes as little as 10 minutes by JR line. This convenience makes Shiga one of the closest and most accessible prefectures from Kyoto, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds without going too far.
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From Osaka Station to Otsu, the journey is usually 40 to 60 minutes by train, depending on the service you take. Express trains on the JR Biwako Line make it especially convenient. This means Shiga is close enough for a day trip from Osaka, but also offers plenty of attractions to justify an overnight stay.
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The ideal length of stay in Shiga depends on your interests. A day trip from Kyoto or Osaka is enough to see highlights like Hikone Castle or Ukimido. However, spending 2–3 days allows you to cycle around Lake Biwa, explore smaller towns, and enjoy onsen and cultural workshops. Travelers looking for a balance of nature, history, and hands-on cultural experiences will find Shiga worth a longer stay.
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Shiga is an excellent day trip from Kyoto for travelers interested in Japanese culture, traditional crafts and regional food. Located just east of Kyoto, the prefecture offers access to historic tea farms, traditional pottery workshops and scenic countryside. While Otsu is approximately 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by train, visiting Asamiya and Shigaraki requires more travel time. A full-day itinerary with private transportation is ideal for exploring multiple cultural experiences comfortably.
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The Asamiya area of Shiga is home to one of Japan's oldest tea-growing traditions, dating back more than 1,200 years. Visitors can explore working tea fields, learn about tea cultivation and production, and sample locally grown Asamiya tea. A private visit with a local tea farmer offers insight into the region's agricultural heritage and the craftsmanship behind Japanese tea production.
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